Naruto has a huge cast of characters known to be fierce warriors fighting for honor and righteousness. The Naruto franchise has gained a large fanbase with many unforgettable moments since its inception. From Madara to Naruto, these characters have gone through tragic incidents that ultimately shaped their personalities, thus shaping the plot of the series. This article explores the five most iconic characters from the Naruto franchise.
Madara Uchiha
A formidable antagonist, Madara Uchiha underwent significant transformations due to several tragic moments. He was filled with resentment and anguish after his brother’s death and the betrayals that he faced later on. This compelled him to follow the path of vengeance. In fact, Madara’s quest to rule the world ignited a chain of significant events that shaped the overall plot of the Naruto franchise.
Itachi Uchiha
One of the most emotionally driven characters in the series is Itachi Uchiha. His character is complex and motivated by unparalleled loyalty to his village. Despite this, Itachi had to undergo one of the anime’s most tragic events, i.e., eliminating his own clan. This led to Itachi bearing the burden of his guilt throughout his life. Also, his experiences as a double agent in Knohagakure further ruined his mental health. Yet, Itachi had an unwavering love for his brother Sasuke, another prominent figure in the Naruto franchise.
Sasuke Uchiha
Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto’s rival and younger brother of Itachi, suffered emotionally due to the Uchiha Clan Massacre. Blinded by vengeance, Sasuke set his soul on a dark path to avenge his clan. Sasuke’s evolution, which started to take shape owing to his depression and anger, created a captivating narrative of him and Naruto. This would eventually determine their respective destinies as well as the fate of the shinobi world.
Kaguya Otsutsuki
Kaguya Otsutsuki, the powerful ancient warlord, holds a prominent position in the Naruto franchise. Known for having god-like powers, Kaguya was the first to have chakra energy. Having witnessed the destructive tendencies of humanity, Kaguya wished to bring peace by gaining greater power. She attained it by consuming the Chakra Fruit of the God Tree. However, it corrupted her into becoming an evil, power-obsessed entity. The degree to which she drove the narrative propelled her to fame in that universe.
Naruto Uzumaki
The main character, Naruto Uzumaki, experienced a profound change in his character through the trials he encountered on his journey for self-discovery. Initially an outcast, it was Naruto’s courage and persistence that pushed him forward. The one incident that impacted his personality was the revelation that Naruto was the vessel of the Kyubi, aka the Nine-Tailed Fox. However, this did not change his mindset. With the oath to protect the people around him, Naruto became a beacon of hope and trust for his friends and loved ones.
The Naruto franchise boasts of many characters, each with their transforming paths. Be it Madara’s fall into darkness, Itachi’s guilt, Sasuke’s revenge, or Kaguya’s tragedy, each of these characters has cast their influence on the overarching plot as well as the hearts of the fans.
